In a landscape where names like Google and Meta often dominate career dreams, the journey of one Indian-origin software engineer in America presents a compelling alternative. Kanish Shah, 26, now thriving at Walmart, discovered that a prestigious tech giant logo isn't the only passport to a successful and satisfying career in technology.
From USC to Hundreds of Rejections: A Common Starting Point
Kanish Shah moved from India to the United States in August 2021 to pursue a master's degree in computer science at the University of Southern California. Like countless international students, he began his job hunt with a specific target in mind. He told Business Insider he was initially excited by the prospect of working at a major Big Tech firm such as Google, Apple, Microsoft, Meta, or Netflix.
This strategy, however, did not yield the expected results. Shah applied to hundreds of internships but received fewer than 15 callbacks. Every major Big Tech company he coveted turned him down. Among the slim pickings was an opportunity from Walmart, a company he had applied to early on without any personal referral.
The Walmart Internship That Changed Everything
A recruiter from the retail giant contacted him around October 2021. The process involved an online assessment followed by two technical interviews, leading to an offer. Shah began his internship in May 2022 and decided to treat it as an extended interview. He proactively asked for weekly feedback, remained highly engaged in meetings, and sought out a mentor.
This diligent approach paid off. He successfully converted the internship into a full-time software engineering role, which he started in June 2023. This period fundamentally reshaped his perspective on what defines a rewarding tech career.
Thriving in Walmart's Tech Transformation
Shah joined Walmart full-time as the company was actively repositioning itself. He observed the evolution from a traditional retail giant into a tech-driven, AI-powered organization. This transition meant he had the chance to work on systems at a massive scale while continuously learning, making the role feel dynamic and impactful.
Based out of Walmart's Sunnyvale office and living in Milpitas, California, Shah typically works from 9 am to 6 pm with a hybrid model, going into the office two days a week. He praised the work culture and work-life balance at Walmart, emphasizing that having time for family and friends on weekends is important to him.
Big Tech Perks vs. Meaningful Work: A New Perspective
Shah acknowledges the perceived advantages of traditional Big Tech firms, such as exposure to global-scale systems, sophisticated internal tools, and strong brand recognition that can aid future job mobility. However, he states these differences have not felt limiting in his growth.
"I haven't felt that I'm missing out on meaningful learning or career development where I am," Shah stated. For him, factors like ownership of projects, quality mentorship, and the scope of work have proven more valuable than the company's name on his resume.
Practical Advice for Job Seekers
His advice to other tech aspirants is shaped by his own experience of rejection and recalibration. While aiming for Big Tech is valid, not securing such a role should not be seen as a career verdict. "High-impact work can be found in many environments," he advises, pointing to startups, midsize companies, and large firms outside the classic tech hierarchy.
He also challenges the notion that top compensation and job security are exclusive to Silicon Valley elites. Shah confirms his own salary is in the six figures and notes that recent layoffs have impacted companies of all sizes. True job security, in his view, comes from focusing on controllable factors: building relevant skills, staying adaptable, and striving to make a tangible impact in one's current role.
The key takeaway from Kanish Shah's story is clear: the technology industry is vast, and fixating on a narrow set of dream companies can cause job seekers to overlook exceptional opportunities that exist elsewhere, often right in front of them.
